Meerkat And The Race To Show Users Live Streaming Social Media

I saw a new app featured in the App Store this morning and I rolled my eyes, thinking to myself, “Does the internet really need another social media platform?” And the answer is yes.

Meerkat–and its hot on the heels competitor Periscope, bought in January by Twitter–allows users to live stream video. What could possibly go wrong? Other than people live streaming blockbuster films, sporting events, high-dollar concerts, or just random people in public bathrooms?

Meerkat already has a number of celebrity supporters and I have to admit, it’s fun to use. But this brand-new platform still hasn’t ironed out all the kinks. Here’s why.

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First, Meerkat doesn't offer you suggestions like Twitter does, so it's important to know the Twitter handle of the person you want to follow in order to search for them. Jimmy Fallon, for example, a known Meerkat user, doesn't come up in a search for "jimmy fallon." You have to know his actual username to find him.